The Acting Regional Manager of the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) in the North-West Region, Madam Fatu Florence Kamara has told school authorities, teachers and pupils that schools must be free from corruption and should not be a fertile place for corruption to thrive. She made this statement during her maiden "Meet the Schools" campaign at the Port Loko Catholic Secondary School off Freetown–Kambia Highway in Port Loko City.
Addressing staff and pupils of the school, Manager Fatu Kamara stated that the school system plays a cardinal role to the promotion and development of the country's human resource base. To achieving positive outcomes on the pupils’ competences, Manager Kamara accentuated the significance of studying well which will sufficiently prepare them (pupils) for both internal and external examinations.Manager Fatu Florence Kamara described education as an empowering force which creates knowledge, builds confidence and breaks down barriers to opportunities. She encouraged them to uphold ethical standards and imbibe the values of integrity that goads the culture of integrity in academia. He informed all staff that on the spot monitoring of time books will be undertaken to address absenteeism in schools.
Commenting on corruption prevalence and illegal charges in schools, the Regional Head pointed out that sexual harassment and sex for grades must not have a place in the country's education sector. "These practices must be vehemently denounced and discouraged," she emphasized. She warned teachers in the habit of exchanging passing grades for sex with pupils to desist forthwith or face the dire consequences.
Speaking on the role of the ACC in sanitizing the sector, Public Education Officer Mohamed Thullah said, the Commission continues to demonstrate the resolve and commitment to reversing the negative trend of pervasive corruption and to restoring sanity to the sector. He pointed out various illegal charges in schools and encouraged school administrators to put mechanisms in place to addressing it.
The Principal of the Port Loko Catholic Secondary School, Andrew Sesay thanked the ACC Team for their education on corruption and promised to work within the framework of the law.
Questions, comments and answers and the presentation of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Materials formed part of the campaign.
©️ Public Relations Unit, ACC
